Meghan Markle Was Reportedly Baptized into the Church of England in a Private Ceremony

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s May 19 wedding day is fast approaching, and a new report suggests that Markle has now taken another big step toward officially becoming a royal by being baptized into the Church of England.

According to the Daily Mail, the baptism took place in a secret, 45-minute ceremony on Tuesday evening. It was reportedly conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Royal Chapel at St. James’s Palace in London, with Prince Harry, Prince Charles, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, in attendance. Only a handful of royal aides were present otherwise.

The service reportedly followed the Church’s full ritual, with holy water from the River Jordan from the private Royal Family font being used for the baptism. Markle was also confirmed at the service, and will now officially be able to join Harry at Holy Communion. While the baptism wasn’t a requirement for Markle to marry Prince Harry (who was baptized as Anglican as a baby), it’s a major move of respect for Queen Elizabeth, who serves as the head of the Church.

The former Suits actress hasn’t always abided by royal tradition, though. She frequently breaks so-called style rules, and it’s rumored that she’ll defy convention at her wedding by giving a speech, something the bride does not typically do at English weddings. In addition, the royal bride-and-groom-to-be will invite thousands of members of the public to their big day.

Harry and Markle’s wedding will take place in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, May 19, at 7am ET.

What do you think about Meghan Markle deciding to be baptized? Let us know @BritandCo!

Nicole is an entertainment and lifestyle writer covering pop culture, news, and cool women doing cool things. She likes yard sales, MTV's Teen Mom, and putting too many memes in the group chat. She lives in Toronto.